A national icon and cultural hero, Sir Dunstan is perhaps best known as the creator of Saint Lucia’s national flag.

​It is with deep regret that the Government of Saint Lucia has met with distressing word of the passing of national icon and cultural hero, Hon. Sir Dunstan St. Omer, SLC, KCMG, MBE, D.Litt, at the age of 87.

Sir Dunstan was undoubtedly Saint Lucia’s foremost and most acclaimed visual artist, who is perhaps best known as the creator of our most inspirational national emblem, the national flag.

Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, in expressing sorrow and grief at the news, extended his condolences to the family of the late Sir Dunstan.

“I would like to express on behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia the deepest regret at the loss of such a phenomenal man,” Dr. Anthony said.

“His passing creates a great chasm in our collective heart and soul, particularly because we know how much he loved and served his island home, and how he believed in celebrating everything that is Saint Lucian.

“I know for his family, his ever-loving wife Cynthia, all his sons and daughters, grandchildren (and great-grands), indeed his close friends and relatives, and all those who knew or admired Apilo’s heart and being, this is indeed a morning you wished never had to come; and sadly it has come to pass. I offer my words of comfort and prayers knowing that he is at peace celebrating with the great artist above.

“In the days to come, the entire nation will honor his remarkable life, his indelible brushstrokes across Saint Lucian identity, his color-filled memory, and we are confident that his legacy will live on through you, and through all those he inspires.” 

The late Sir Dunstan St. Omer was born in Castries, Saint Lucia on Oct. 24, 1927 and attended the St. Aloysius Boys’ School and St. Mary’s College.

Under the tutelage of the late Harold Simmons, he alongside his lifelong friends Derek and Roderick Walcott were immersed in the study of Saint Lucia through artistic expression. Sir Dunstan’s awakening during this time was an artistic Renaissance for Saint Lucia and its identity. His dedication to art was more than a career path, but a calling and a deep love.

His religious murals, while spiritually reflective, explored new artistic styles such as his renowned “prismism” and challenged the norms of traditional art. He raised “black consciousness” through his images of the black deity and the black madonna.

Sir Dunstan worked tirelessly in the education sector, teaching and inspiring art education for decades from classes and workshops to exhibitions and broadcast media. Generations of teachers and students will remember his passion for his craft, his deep avuncular affection for his students, and his joy in sharing his talent.

Sir Dunstan passed away peacefully at his home at Union, Castries at around 11:25 p.m., on Tuesday, May 5, surrounded by his family.

The Government of Saint Lucia has offered the St. Omer family an official funeral for Sir Dunstan.

May he rest in eternal peace.